On 3 August 2023, the Victorian Department of Health issued a Chief Health Officer alert regarding local transmission of mpox (monkeypox) in Victoria.

Two locally acquired cases have been reported in Victoria.

Mpox is a viral infection. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, backache and muscle aches, fatigue and lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes). A rash may develop 1–3 days following the beginning of the early symptoms. 

The recent cases in Victoria are the first to be reported in the state since November 2022. Since May 2022, there has been an international outbreak of mpox.

People with symptoms of mpox are advised to seek medical care and testing.

Head to the MVEC mpox reference page to find out more about mpox disease and vaccine recommendations.

Health alert: Local transmission of mpox in Victoria